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Schjødt I, Johnsen SP, Strömberg A, DeVore AD, Valentin JB, Løgstrup BB. Evidence-Based Process Performance Measures and Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Incident Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction: A Danish Nationwide Cohort Study. Circ Cardiovasc Qual Outcomes 2022; 15:e007973. [PMID: 35272503 PMCID: PMC9015036 DOI: 10.1161/circoutcomes.121.007973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Data on the association between quality of heart failure (HF) care and outcomes among patients with incident HF are sparse. We examined the association between process performance measures and clinical outcomes in patients with incident HF with reduced ejection fraction. METHODS Patients with incident HF with reduced ejection fraction (n=10 966) between January 2008 and October 2015 were identified from the Danish HF Registry. Data from public registries were linked. Multivariable regression analyses were used to assess the association between 6 guideline-recommended HF care processes (New York Heart Association assessment, use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin II receptor blockers, beta-blockers, and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, exercise training, and patient education) and all-cause and HF readmission, all-cause and HF hospital days, and mortality within 3 to 12 months after HF diagnosis. The associations were analyzed according to the percentages of all relevant performance measures fulfilled for the individual patient (0%-50% [reference group], >50%-75%, and >75%-100%) and for the individual performance measures. RESULTS Fulfilling >75% to 100% of the performance measures (n=5341 [48.7%]) was associated with lower risk of all-cause readmission (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.78 [95% CI, 0.68-0.89]) and HF readmission (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.71 [95% CI, 0.54-0.92]), lower use of all-cause hospital days (adjusted mean ratio, 0.73 [95% CI, 0.70-0.76]) and HF hospital days (adjusted mean ratio, 0.79 [95% CI, 0.70-0.89]), and lower mortality (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.42 [95% CI, 0.32-0.53]). A dose-response relationship was observed between fulfilling more performance measures and mortality (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.62 [95% CI, 0.49-0.77] fulfilling >50%-75% of the measures). Fulfilling individual performance measures, except mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist therapy, was associated with lower adjusted all-cause readmission, lower adjusted use of all-cause and HF hospital days, and lower adjusted mortality. CONCLUSIONS Fulfilling more process performance measures was associated with better clinical outcomes in patients with incident HF with reduced ejection fraction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inge Schjødt
- Department of Cardiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark (I.S., B.B.L.)
| | - Søren P Johnsen
- Danish Center for Clinical Health Services Research, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg University Hospital, Denmark (S.P.J., J.B.V.)
| | - Anna Strömberg
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, and Department of Cardiology, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden (A.S.)
| | - Adam D DeVore
- Duke Clinical Research Institute and Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, United States (A.D.D.)
| | - Jan B Valentin
- Danish Center for Clinical Health Services Research, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg University Hospital, Denmark (S.P.J., J.B.V.)
| | - Brian B Løgstrup
- Department of Cardiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark (I.S., B.B.L.).,Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark (B.B.L.)
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2
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Wu YM, Liu CC, Yeh CC, Sung LC, Lin CS, Cherng YG, Chen TL, Liao CC. Hospitalization outcome of heart diseases between patients who received medical care by cardiologists and non-cardiologist physicians: A propensity-score matched study. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0235207. [PMID: 32629459 PMCID: PMC7338078 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0235207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and aims The effects of physician specialty on the outcome of heart disease remains incompletely understood because of inconsistent findings from some previous studies. Our purpose is to compare the admission outcomes of heart disease in patients receiving care by cardiologists and noncardiologist (NC) physicians. Methods Using reimbursement claims data of Taiwan’s National Health Insurance from 2008–2013, we conducted a matched study of 6264 patients aged ≥20 years who received a cardiologist’s care during admission for heart disease. Using a propensity score matching procedure adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics, medical condition, and type of heart disease, 6264 controls who received an NC physician’s care were selected. Logistic regressions were used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for complications and mortality during admission for heart disease associated with a cardiologist’s care. Results Patients who received a cardiologist’s care had a lower risk of pneumonia (OR = 0.61; 95% CI, 0.53–0.70), septicemia (OR = 0.49; 95% CI, 0.39–0.61), urinary tract infection (OR = 0.76; 95% CI, 0.66–0.88), and in-hospital mortality (OR = 0.37; 95% CI, 0.29–0.47) than did patients who received an NC physician’s care. The association between a cardiologist’s care and reduced adverse events following admission was significant in both sexes and in patients aged ≥40 years. Conclusion We raised the possibility that cardiologist care was associated with reduced infectious complications and mortality among patients who were admitted due to heart disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ming Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Chung Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Anesthesiology and Health Policy Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Chieh Yeh
- Department of Surgery, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Surgery, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Li-Chin Sung
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Taipei Heart Institute, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chao-Shun Lin
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Anesthesiology and Health Policy Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yih-Giun Cherng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ta-Liang Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Anesthesiology and Health Policy Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Chang Liao
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Anesthesiology and Health Policy Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Research Center of Big Data and Meta-Analysis, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Chinese Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- * E-mail: ,
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3
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Mene-Afejuku TO, Pernia M, Ibebuogu UN, Chaudhari S, Mushiyev S, Visco F, Pekler G. Heart Failure and Cognitive Impairment: Clinical Relevance and Therapeutic Considerations. Curr Cardiol Rev 2019; 15:291-303. [PMID: 31456512 PMCID: PMC8142355 DOI: 10.2174/1573403x15666190313112841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Revised: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Heart failure (HF) is a devastating condition characterized by poor quality of life, numerous complications, high rate of readmission and increased mortality. HF is the most common cause of hospitalization in the United States especially among people over the age of 64 years. The number of people grappling with the ill effects of HF is on the rise as the number of people living to an old age is also on the increase. Several factors have been attributed to these high readmission and mortality rates among which are; poor adherence with therapy, inability to keep up with clinic appointments and even failure to recognize early symptoms of HF deterioration which may be a result of cognitive impairment. Therefore, this review seeks to compile the most recent information about the links between HF and dementia or cognitive impairment. We also assessed the prognostic consequences of cognitive impairment complicating HF, therapeutic strategies among patients with HF and focus on future areas of research that would reduce the prevalence of cognitive impairment, reduce its severity and also ameliorate the effect of cognitive impairment coexisting with HF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuoyo O Mene-Afejuku
- Department of Medicine, New York Medical College, Metropolitan Hospital Center, New York NY, United States
| | - Monica Pernia
- Department of Medicine, New York Medical College, Metropolitan Hospital Center, New York NY, United States
| | - Uzoma N Ibebuogu
- Department of Internal Medicine (Cardiology), University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis, Tennessee TN, United States
| | - Shobhana Chaudhari
- Department of Medicine, New York Medical College, Metropolitan Hospital Center, New York NY, United States
| | - Savi Mushiyev
- Division of Cardiology, New York Medical College, Metropolitan Hospital Center, New York NY, United States
| | - Ferdinand Visco
- Division of Cardiology, New York Medical College, Metropolitan Hospital Center, New York NY, United States
| | - Gerald Pekler
- Division of Cardiology, New York Medical College, Metropolitan Hospital Center, New York NY, United States
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4
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Akerman CC, Beavers JC. Risk Factors for Intolerance of Inpatient Sacubitril/Valsartan Initiation. J Pharm Pract 2019; 34:454-458. [PMID: 31581926 DOI: 10.1177/0897190019878948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sacubitril/valsartan has been shown to improve outcomes in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). However, initiation of sacubitril/valsartan has primarily been studied in stable, ambulatory patients with HFrEF. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to determine risk factors for intolerance to inpatient sacubitril/valsartan initiation. METHODS This was a retrospective, single-center study from August 1, 2015 through April 30, 2018. Patients were at least 18 years old and were newly initiated on sacubitril/valsartan during their hospitalization. RESULTS A total of 143 patients met inclusion criteria. Of these patients, 20.3% (n = 29) were intolerant to inpatient initiation of sacubitril/valsartan. The primary reason for intolerance was hypotension (n = 19, 65.5%). Patients with newly diagnosed heart failure were more likely to tolerate the initiation of sacubitril/valsartan (32.5% vs 10.3%; P = 0.03). No differences between groups were identified among other potential predictors for intolerance to sacubitril/valsartan, including systolic blood pressure, acutely decompensated heart failure, or serum creatinine. The most common adverse event was hypotension, which occurred in 26.6% (n = 38) of all patients. CONCLUSION The majority of inpatients tolerated sacubitril/valsartan initiation. Larger, prospective, randomized controlled trials would be helpful in further determining ideal candidates for inpatient sacubitril/valsartan initiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin C Akerman
- WakeMed Health & Hospitals, Raleigh, NC, USA.,UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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5
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Challenges in Assessing the Burden of Hospitalized Heart Failure in End-Stage Kidney Disease. J Card Fail 2019; 25:534-536. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cardfail.2019.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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6
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Iacovoni A, D'Elia E, Gori M, Oliva F, Lorini FL, Senni M. Treating Patients Following Hospitalisation for Acute Decompensated Heart Failure: An Insight into Reducing Early Rehospitalisations. Card Fail Rev 2019; 5:78-82. [PMID: 31179016 PMCID: PMC6545980 DOI: 10.15420/cfr.2018.46.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2018] [Accepted: 04/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Heart failure (HF) is a pandemic syndrome characterised by raised morbidity and mortality. An acute HF event requiring hospitalisation is associated with a poor prognosis, in both the short and the long term. Moreover, early rehospitalisation after discharge negatively affects HF management and survival rates. Cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular conditions combine to increase rates of HF hospital readmission at 30 days. A tailored approach for HF pharmacotherapy while the patient is in hospital and immediately after discharge could be useful in reducing early adverse events that cause rehospitalisation and, consequently, prevent worsening HF and readmission during the vulnerable phase after discharge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Attilio Iacovoni
- Cardiovascular Department, ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII Bergamo, Italy
| | - Emilia D'Elia
- Cardiovascular Department, ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII Bergamo, Italy
| | - Mauro Gori
- Cardiovascular Department, ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII Bergamo, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Oliva
- Cardiovascular Department, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda Milan, Italy
| | | | - Michele Senni
- Cardiovascular Department, ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII Bergamo, Italy
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7
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Bréchat PH, Rasmusson K, Briot P, Foury C, Fulton R, Smith D, Roberts C, Lapp D. [Benefits of integrated care delivery system for heart failure: A case study of Intermountain Healthcare (USA)]. SANTE PUBLIQUE 2019; 30:877-885. [PMID: 30990276 DOI: 10.3917/spub.187.0877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Among chronic diseases, heart failure is a top public health priority both in France and in the United States. If progress is possible in France, the experience from Intermountain Healthcare (IH), in the United States can be a source of significant experimentations. AIM To identify the teaching of the clinical integration of the specialists in the field of heart failure with the primary care sector which could be useful in France. METHODS This research is based on the qualitative analysis of data resulting from the work between experts, of bibliographical research, and of some groupings by item corresponding to the objectives of the Triple Aim from the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI). RESULTS The program of the integrated care delivery system for heart failure of Intermountain Healthcare reaches the objectives of the Triple Aim from the IHI, that is to say, the enhancement of the health of the population, improving quality of care and the satisfaction of the user, and the reduction of the cost of care. This program also enhances the Chronic Care Model by integrating a team of specialists in the field of heart failure, building up a pluridisciplinary team focused on the need of both the patients and their families. This creates a multidisciplinary care delivery system for heart failure which is global, protocolized, stratified, planned and followed. The prevention and the ambulatory care integrating the specialized care of second stage to the care of first stage are developed. The users and their families are co-responsible for their health. The systematic evaluation is based on the specific indicators. DISCUSSION This program improves the effectiveness of care while improving organizational efficiency resulting in savings for IH Health Plan (SelectHealth). It also enhances the equality of access to better healthcare and health for the entire population.
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8
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Chan J, Collins RT, Hall M, John A. Resource Utilization Among Adult Congenital Heart Failure Admissions in Pediatric Hospitals. Am J Cardiol 2019; 123:839-846. [PMID: 30579512 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2018.11.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Revised: 11/23/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
We sought to analyze the trends and resource utilization of adult congenital heart disease (ACHD)-related heart failure admissions at children's hospitals. Heart failure admissions in patients with ACHD continue to rise at both pediatric and adult care facilities. Data from the Pediatric Health Information Systems database (2005 to 2015) were used to identify patients (≥18 years) admitted with congenital heart disease (745.xx-747.xx) and principal diagnosis of heart failure (428.xx). High resource use (HRU) admissions were defined as those over the 90th percentile. There were 562 admissions (55.9% male) across 39 pediatric hospitals. ACHD-related heart failure admissions increased from 4.1% in 2006 to 6.3% in 2015 (p = 0.015). Median hospital charge for ACHD-related heart failure admissions was $59,055 [IQR $26,633 to $156,846]. Total charges increased with more complex anatomic category (p = 0.049). Though HRU admissions represented 10% of ACHD-related heart failure admissions, they accounted for >66% of the total charges. The median total hospital charges for HRU admissions were $1,018,656 [IQR $722,574 to $1,784,743], compared with $58,890 [IQR $26,456 to $145,890] for non-HRU admissions (p < 0.001). Inpatient mortality rate (26.3% vs 4.0%) and the presence of ≥2 comorbidities (68% vs 31%) were higher for HRU admissions (p < 0.001). On multivariable analysis, technology dependence (aOR: 4.4, p < 0.001) and renal comorbidities (aOR: 3.0, p = 0.04) were associated with HRU. In conclusion, heart failure-related ACHD admissions in pediatric hospitals are increasing. Compared with non-HRU, HRU admissions had higher inhospital mortality and greater comorbidities. Additional care strategies to reduce resource use among these patients and improve overall quality of care merits further study.
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9
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Nakano A, Vinter N, Egstrup K, Svendsen ML, Schjødt I, Johnsen SP. Association between process performance measures and 1-year mortality among patients with incident heart failure: a Danish nationwide study. EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL. QUALITY OF CARE & CLINICAL OUTCOMES 2019; 5:28-34. [PMID: 30204858 DOI: 10.1093/ehjqcco/qcy041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2017] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Aims To examine the association between fulfilment of performance measures supported by clinical guidelines recommendations and 1-year mortality among patients with incident heart failure (HF) in Denmark. Methods and results A nationwide population-based follow-up study based on the Danish Heart Failure Registry. All Danish hospital departments caring for patients with HF. We identified 24 308 in- and outpatients diagnosed with HF from 2003 to 2010. Quality of care was defined as receiving the guideline recommended processes of care: use of echocardiography, New York Heart Association classification, treatment with angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin-II-receptor blocker, beta blockers, physical training, and patient education. Main outcome measure is 1-year mortality. We used multiple imputation and multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression to compute hazard ratios (HRs) for 1-year mortality adjusted for potential confounding factors. Within 1 year, 17.1% of the patients died and the adjusted HRs ranged from 0.61 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.55-0.67] for patient education to 0.99 (95% CI 0.90-1.10) for beta blocker therapy. The association between meeting more performance measures and 1-year mortality appeared to follow a dose-response pattern: using 0-25% of fulfilled measures as reference, patients who fulfilled 76-100% of the performance measures had an adjusted HR of 0.43 (95% CI 0.38-0.48), while the adjusted HR was 0.96 (95% CI 0.86-1.07) for patients who fulfilled between 26% and 50% of the performance measures. Conclusion Meeting process performance measures, which reflect care in concordance with clinical guideline recommendations, was associated with substantially lower 1-year mortality among patients with incident HF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Nakano
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200 Aarhus N, Olof Palmes Allé 43, Denmark.,Department of The Danish Clinical Registers, Audit Unit West, Olof Palmes Allé 15, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Nicklas Vinter
- Diagnostic Centre, University Research Clinic for Innovative Patient Pathways, Silkeborg Region Hospital, Falkevej 1G, Silkeborg, Denmark.,Danish Center for Clinical Health Services Research, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University and Aalborg University Hospital, Mølleparkvej 10, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Kenneth Egstrup
- Department of Cardiology, Odense University Hospital, Svendborg Hospital, Baagøes Allé 15, Svendborg, Denmark
| | - Marie Louise Svendsen
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200 Aarhus N, Olof Palmes Allé 43, Denmark.,Data & Documentation, DEFACTUM, Olof Palmes Allé 17, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Inge Schjødt
- Department of Cardiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 99, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Søren Paaske Johnsen
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200 Aarhus N, Olof Palmes Allé 43, Denmark.,Danish Center for Clinical Health Services Research, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University and Aalborg University Hospital, Mølleparkvej 10, Aalborg, Denmark
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10
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Westenbrink BD, Brugts JJ, McDonagh TA, Filippatos G, Ruschitzka F, van Laake LW. Heart failure specialization in Europe. Eur J Heart Fail 2016; 18:347-9. [PMID: 27071655 DOI: 10.1002/ejhf.506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2015] [Accepted: 02/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- B Daan Westenbrink
- Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Frank Ruschitzka
- Department of Cardiology, Clinic for Cardiology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Linda W van Laake
- Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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11
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Evans RS, Benuzillo J, Horne BD, Lloyd JF, Bradshaw A, Budge D, Rasmusson KD, Roberts C, Buckway J, Geer N, Garrett T, Lappé DL. Automated identification and predictive tools to help identify high-risk heart failure patients: pilot evaluation. J Am Med Inform Assoc 2016; 23:872-8. [PMID: 26911827 DOI: 10.1093/jamia/ocv197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2015] [Accepted: 11/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Develop and evaluate an automated identification and predictive risk report for hospitalized heart failure (HF) patients. METHODS Dictated free-text reports from the previous 24 h were analyzed each day with natural language processing (NLP), to help improve the early identification of hospitalized patients with HF. A second application that uses an Intermountain Healthcare-developed predictive score to determine each HF patient's risk for 30-day hospital readmission and 30-day mortality was also developed. That information was included in an identification and predictive risk report, which was evaluated at a 354-bed hospital that treats high-risk HF patients. RESULTS The addition of NLP-identified HF patients increased the identification score's sensitivity from 82.6% to 95.3% and its specificity from 82.7% to 97.5%, and the model's positive predictive value is 97.45%. Daily multidisciplinary discharge planning meetings are now based on the information provided by the HF identification and predictive report, and clinician's review of potential HF admissions takes less time compared to the previously used manual methodology (10 vs 40 min). An evaluation of the use of the HF predictive report identified a significant reduction in 30-day mortality and a significant increase in patient discharges to home care instead of to a specialized nursing facility. CONCLUSIONS Using clinical decision support to help identify HF patients and automatically calculating their 30-day all-cause readmission and 30-day mortality risks, coupled with a multidisciplinary care process pathway, was found to be an effective process to improve HF patient identification, significantly reduce 30-day mortality, and significantly increase patient discharges to home care.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Scott Evans
- Medical Informatics, Intermountain Healthcare Biomedical Informatics, University of Utah
| | - Jose Benuzillo
- Intermountain Healthcare Cardiovascular Clinical Program
| | - Benjamin D Horne
- Intermountain Heart Institute, Intermountain Medical Center Genetic Epidemiology Division, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah
| | | | | | - Deborah Budge
- Intermountain Heart Institute, Intermountain Medical Center
| | | | | | | | - Norma Geer
- McKay Dee Hospital Cardiovascular Program
| | | | - Donald L Lappé
- Intermountain Healthcare Cardiovascular Clinical Program Intermountain Heart Institute, Intermountain Medical Center
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12
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Bratzke LC, Moser DK, Pelter MM, Paul SM, Nesbitt TS, Cooper LS, Dracup KA. Evidence-Based Heart Failure Medications and Cognition. J Cardiovasc Nurs 2016; 31:62-8. [PMID: 25419943 PMCID: PMC4440853 DOI: 10.1097/jcn.0000000000000216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The etiology of cognitive impairment in heart failure (HF) is controversial and likely multifactorial. Physicians may hesitate to prescribe evidence-based HF medication because of concerns related to potential negative changes in cognition among a population that is already frequently impaired. We conducted a study to determine if prescription of evidence-based HF medications (specifically, β-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin-receptor blocking agents, diuretics, and aldosterone inhibitors) was associated with cognition in a large HF sample. METHODS A total of 612 patients completed baseline data collection for the Rural Education to Improve Outcomes in Heart Failure clinical trial, including information about medications. Global cognition was evaluated using the Mini-Cog. RESULTS The sample mean (SD) age was 66 (13) years, 58% were men, and 89% were white. Global cognitive impairment was identified in 206 (34%) of the 612 patients. Prescription of evidence-based HF medications was not related to global cognitive impairment in this sample. This relationship was maintained even after adjusting for potential confounders (eg, age, education, and comorbid burden). CONCLUSION Prescription of evidence-based HF medications is not related to low scores on a measure of global cognitive function in rural patients with HF.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Lawton S. Cooper
- National Institutes of Health, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
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13
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Uthamalingam S, Kandala J, Selvaraj V, Martin W, Daley M, Patvardhan E, Capodilupo R, Moore S, Januzzi JL. Outcomes of patients with acute decompensated heart failure managed by cardiologists versus noncardiologists. Am J Cardiol 2015; 115:466-71. [PMID: 25637324 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2014.11.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2014] [Revised: 11/11/2014] [Accepted: 11/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Physician practice patterns in the management of hospitalized acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) patients may vary by specialty; comparative practice patterns in ADHF management and clinical outcomes as a function of provider type have not been well reported. We studied a total of 496 patients discharged with the principal diagnosis of ADHF to analyze practice patterns among 3 provider types (cardiologists, hospitalists, and nonhospitalists). We examined outcomes of death and rehospitalization for HF and adherence to the Joint Commission HF performance core measures. Cardiologists had the highest adherence in all 4 HF core measures compared with hospitalists and nonhospitalists. At 6 months, 6.0% of the patients cared by cardiologists died compared with 10.9% and 11.4% cared by hospitalist and nonhospitalists (p = 0.12). Patients cared for by cardiologists had a significantly lower 6-month ADHF readmission rate (16.2%) compared with hospitalists (40.1%) and nonhospitalists (34.9%, p <0.001). In multivariate analysis, both hospitalist and nonhospitalist provider types were an independent predictor for 6-month ADHF-related readmission (hospitalists vs cardiologists, hazard ratioadjusted 3.01; 95% confidence interval 1.84 to 4.89, p <0.001; and nonhospitalists vs cardiologists, hazard ratioadjusted 2.07; 95% confidence interval 1.24 to 3.46, p = 0.005). In conclusion, cardiologist-delivered ADHF care is associated with greater adherence to HF core measures and with significantly lower rates of adverse outcome compared with noncardiologists.
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Beadles CA, Hassmiller Lich K, Viera AJ, Greene SB, Brookhart MA, Weinberger M. A non-experimental study of oral anticoagulation therapy initiation before and after national patient safety goals. BMJ Open 2014; 4:e003960. [PMID: 24525389 PMCID: PMC3927813 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2013-003960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The Joint Commission revised its National Patient Safety Goals (NPSGs) to include oral anticoagulation therapy (OAT) in 2008. We sought to examine the effect of including OAT in The Joint Commission's NPSGs on historically low rates of OAT initiation for individuals with incident atrial fibrillation (AF). SETTING Southeastern state in the USA. PARTICIPANTS North Carolina State Health Plan claims data from 944 500 individuals enrolled between 1 January 2006 and 31 December 2010, supplemented with data from the Area Resource File and Online Survey, Certification and Reporting data network. We evaluated OAT initiation before and after the 2008 NPSGs revisions in a retrospective cohort new user design with an AF intervention group and two control groups: a positive control-patients estimated to be at very high risk of thromboembolism (mechanical heart valve and pulmonary embolism); and a negative control-patients with very low perceived risk of thromboembolism (paroxysmal AF). We developed multivariable models using a difference-in-difference parameterisation. Effects were estimated with generalised estimating equations. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURE OAT initiation, a binary outcome defined as having a prescription drug claim for warfarin within 30 days of the index claim. RESULTS OAT initiation was low (26.8%) for eligible individuals with incident AF in 2006-2008 but increased after NPSGs implementation (31.7%, p=0.022). OAT initiation was high but decreased in the positive control group (67.5% vs 62.0%, p=0.003). Multivariate analysis resulted in a relative 11% (95% CI (4% to 18%), p<0.01) increase in OAT initiation for incident AF patients. CONCLUSIONS We document a substantial increase in guideline concordant OAT initiation in incident AF after the establishment of NPSGs, suggesting that regulatory healthcare agency initiatives can influence clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher A Beadles
- Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Center for Health Services Research in Primary Care, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kristen Hassmiller Lich
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Anthony J Viera
- Department of Family Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Sandra B Greene
- Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - M Alan Brookhart
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Morris Weinberger
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Center for Health Services Research in Primary Care, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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Berardi C, Chamberlain AM, Bursi F, Redfield MM, McNallan SM, Weston SA, Jiang R, Roger VL. Heart failure performance measures: eligibility and implementation in the community. Am Heart J 2013; 166:76-82. [PMID: 23816025 PMCID: PMC3701162 DOI: 10.1016/j.ahj.2013.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2012] [Accepted: 03/14/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The goal of heart failure (HF) performance measures is to improve quality of care by assessing the implementation of guidelines in eligible patients. Little is known about the proportion of eligible patients and how performance measures are implemented in the community. METHODS We determined the eligibility for and adherence to performance measures and β-blocker therapy in a community-based cohort of hospitalized HF patients from January 2005 to June 2011. RESULTS All of the 465 HF inpatients (median age 76 years, 48% men) included in the study received an ejection fraction assessment. Only 164 had an ejection fraction <40% thus were candidates for β-blocker and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) therapy. Considering absolute contraindications, 99 patients were eligible to receive ACE inhibitors/ARB, and 162 to receive β-blockers. Among these, 85% received ACE inhibitors/ARBs and 91% received β-blockers. Among the 261 individuals with atrial fibrillation, 89 were eligible for warfarin and 54% received it. Of 52 current smokers, 69% received cessation counseling during hospitalization. CONCLUSION In the community, among eligible hospitalized HF patients, the implementation of performance measures can be improved. However, as most patients are not candidates for current performance measures, other approaches are needed to improve care and outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Berardi
- Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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Milfred-LaForest SK, Chow SL, DiDomenico RJ, Dracup K, Ensor CR, Gattis-Stough W, Heywood JT, Lindenfeld J, Page RL, Patterson JH, Vardeny O, Massie BM. Clinical Pharmacy Services in Heart Failure: An Opinion Paper from the Heart Failure Society of America and American College of Clinical Pharmacy Cardiology Practice and Research Network. Pharmacotherapy 2013; 33:529-48. [DOI: 10.1002/phar.1295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sheryl L. Chow
- College of Pharmacy; Western University of Health Sciences; Pomona California
| | | | - Kathleen Dracup
- School of Nursing; University of California; San Francisco California
| | | | - Wendy Gattis-Stough
- College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences; Department of Clinical Research; Campbell University; Buies Creek North Carolina
| | | | - JoAnn Lindenfeld
- Heart Transplantation Program; Division of Cardiology; Department of Medicine; University of Colorado Denver; Aurora Colorado
| | - Robert L. Page
- Schools of Pharmacy and Medicine; University of Colorado Denver; Aurora Colorado
| | - J. Herbert Patterson
- Eshelman School of Pharmacy; University of North Carolina; Chapel Hill North Carolina
| | - Orly Vardeny
- Schools of Pharmacy and Medicine; University of Wisconsin; Madison Wisconsin
| | - Barry M. Massie
- School of Medicine; University of California, and San Francisco VA Medical Center; San Francisco California
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Clinical Pharmacy Services in Heart Failure: An Opinion Paper From the Heart Failure Society of America and American College of Clinical Pharmacy Cardiology Practice and Research Network. J Card Fail 2013; 19:354-69. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cardfail.2013.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2012] [Revised: 02/24/2013] [Accepted: 02/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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18
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Scrutinio D, Passantino A, Ricci VA, Catanzaro R. Association between conformity with performance measures and 1-year postdischarge survival in patients with acute decompensated heart failure. Am J Med Qual 2012; 28:160-8. [PMID: 22822168 DOI: 10.1177/1062860612451049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Recognition of the treatment gap in patients with heart failure (HF) led to the development of a set of process-of-care measures to improve the quality of care. To assess the association of established and emerging process-of-care measures with 1-year postdischarge survival, 496 patients with acute decompensated HF were studied. After adjustment for established prognostic factors, the relative risk (RR) for mortality in patients eligible for treatment was as follows: 0.49 (P < .001) for discharge prescription of renin-angiotensin system inhibitors (RAS-Is), 0.59 (P = .015) for β-blockers, 0.44 (P < .001) for combination therapy (ie, a β-blocker and a RAS-I), 0.87 (P nonsignificant) for aldosterone antagonists, and 0.49 (P nonsignificant) for planned cardioverter-defibrillator implantation. After adjustment for propensity scores, the RR was 0.49 (P < .001) for RAS-Is, 0.67 (P = .04) for β-blockers, and 0.57 (P < .001) for combination therapy. The data suggest that performance measures for RAS-Is, β-blockers, and combination therapy are strongly associated with improved 1-year survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Scrutinio
- Division of Cardiology and Cardiac Rehabilitation, Fondazione S Maugeri, IRCCS, Istituto di Cassanodelle Murge, Cassano Murge, Bari, Italy.
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Schopfer DW, Whooley MA, Stamos TD. Hospital compliance with performance measures and 30-day outcomes in patients with heart failure. Am Heart J 2012; 164:80-6. [PMID: 22795286 DOI: 10.1016/j.ahj.2012.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2011] [Accepted: 04/10/2012] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2005, the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association published performance measures to provide a standard of care for hospitalized patients with heart failure (HF). Despite increasing compliance with these measures, hospital mortality and readmission rates remain stagnant. Whether compliance with HF performance measures improves patient outcomes at the hospital level is unclear. METHODS We evaluated compliance with HF performance measures at 3,655 US hospitals. Patients admitted with a diagnosis of HF in 2008 were identified using the US Department of Health and Human Services Hospital Compare database. Compliance with 4 specific performance measures was examined: evaluation of left ventricular systolic function, administration of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor I or angiotensin-receptor blocker for left ventricular systolic dysfunction, offering smoking cessation advice and counseling, and providing discharge instructions. Thirty-day mortality and readmission rate were recorded. RESULTS Hospitals reporting greater compliance with the 4 performance measures had significantly lower 30-day mortality rates. However, these hospitals were also located in areas of higher socioeconomic status and treated higher volumes of patients with HF. After adjusting for socioeconomic and hospital factors, only evaluation of left ventricular systolic function was associated with lower 30-day mortality, and evaluation of left ventricular systolic function and smoking cessation counseling were associated with lower readmission rates. CONCLUSIONS We found that socioeconomic factors and hospital volume were stronger predictors of mortality than compliance with HF performance measures. After adjusting for socioeconomic factors and hospital volume, only 1 of the 4 performance measures was associated with lower 30-day mortality and 2 were associated with lower readmissions.
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Affiliation(s)
- David W Schopfer
- Section of Cardiology, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, USA.
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20
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Youn YJ, Yoo BS, Lee JW, Kim JY, Han SW, Jeon ES, Cho MC, Kim JJ, Kang SM, Chae SC, Oh BH, Choi DJ, Lee MM, Ryu KH. Treatment performance measures affect clinical outcomes in patients with acute systolic heart failure: report from the Korean Heart Failure Registry. Circ J 2012; 76:1151-8. [PMID: 22343195 DOI: 10.1253/circj.cj-11-1093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a paucity of data on the effects of adherence to treatment on outcomes for patients with acute heart failure (HF) in Korea. We used HF performance measures to evaluate overall adherence and whether this affects clinical outcomes. METHODS AND RESULTS Among 3,466 patients in the Korean Heart Failure Registry, 1,527 patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) who survived hospitalization were evaluated. Modified validated performance measures were defined as follows: use at discharge of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI), angiotensin-receptor II blocker (ARB), β-blocker or aldosterone receptor antagonist. Adherence to performance measures were as follows: ACEI or ARB at discharge, 68.0%; β-blocker at discharge, 40.9%; aldosterone receptor antagonist at discharge, 37.5%. On multivariate analysis, adherence to the measure of ACEI or ARB use at discharge was significantly associated with mortality (odds ratio (OR), 0.344; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.123-0.964), readmission (OR, 0.180; 95%CI, 0.062-0.522) and mortality/readmission (OR, 0.297; 95%CI, 0.125-0.707) at 60 days and that for β-blocker with mortality (OR, 0.337; 95%CI, 0.147-0.774) at 1 year. CONCLUSIONS For patients with LVSD in Korea, adherence to treatment performance measures, including prescription of an ACEI/ARB and β-blocker use at discharge, is associated with improved clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Jin Youn
- Division of Cardiology, Yonsei University Wonju Christian Hospital, Wonju, South Korea
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21
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Adequate health literacy is associated with higher heart failure knowledge and self-care confidence in hospitalized patients. J Cardiovasc Nurs 2012; 26:359-67. [PMID: 21099698 DOI: 10.1097/jcn.0b013e3181f16f88] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Heart failure (HF) patients with inadequate health literacy are at increased risk for poor self-care and negative health outcomes such as hospital readmission. The purpose of the present study was to examine the prevalence of inadequate health literacy, the reliability of the Dutch HF Knowledge Scale (DHFKS) and the Self-care of Heart Failure Index (SCHFI), and the differences in HF knowledge, HF self-care, and 30-day readmission rate by health literacy level among patients hospitalized with HF. The convenience sample included adults (n = 95) admitted to a large, urban, teaching hospital whose primary diagnosis was HF. Measures included the Short Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults, the DHFKS, the SCHFI, and readmission at 30 days after discharge. The sample was 59 ± 14 years in age, 51% male, and 67% African American; 35% had less than a high school education, 35% were employed, 73% lived with someone who helps with their HF care, and 16% were readmitted within 30 days of index admission. Health literacy was inadequate for 42%, marginal for 19%, and adequate for 39%. Reliability of the DHFKS and SCHFI scales was comparable to prior reports. Mean knowledge score was 11.43 ± 2.26; SCHFI subscale scores were 56.82 ± 17.12 for maintenance, 63.64 ± 18.29 for management, and 65.02 ± 16.34 for confidence. Those with adequate health literacy were younger and had higher education level, HF knowledge scores, and HF self-care confidence compared with those with marginal or inadequate health literacy. Self-care maintenance and management scores and 30-day readmission rate did not differ by health literacy level. These findings demonstrate the high prevalence of inadequate and marginal health literacy and that health literacy is an important consideration in promoting HF knowledge and confidence in self-care behaviors, particularly among older adults and those with less than a high school education.
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22
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Schmaltz SP, Williams SC, Chassin MR, Loeb JM, Wachter RM. Hospital performance trends on national quality measures and the association with Joint Commission accreditation. J Hosp Med 2011; 6:454-61. [PMID: 21990175 PMCID: PMC3265714 DOI: 10.1002/jhm.905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evaluations of the impact of hospital accreditation have been previously hampered by the lack of nationally standardized data. One way to assess this impact is to compare accreditation status with other evidence-based measures of quality, such as the process measures now publicly reported by The Joint Commission and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). OBJECTIVES To examine the association between Joint Commission accreditation status and both absolute measures of, and trends in, hospital performance on publicly reported quality measures for common diseases. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS Performance data for 2004 and 2008 from U.S. acute care and critical access hospitals were obtained using publicly available CMS Hospital Compare data augmented with Joint Commission performance data. MEASUREMENTS Changes in hospital performance between 2004 and 2008, and percent of hospitals with 2008 performance exceeding 90% for 16 measures of quality-of-care and 4 summary scores. RESULTS Hospitals accredited by The Joint Commission tended to have better baseline performance in 2004 than non-accredited hospitals. Accredited hospitals had larger gains over time, and were significantly more likely to have high performance in 2008 on 13 out of 16 standardized clinical performance measures and all summary scores. CONCLUSIONS While Joint Commission-accredited hospitals already outperformed non-accredited hospitals on publicly reported quality measures in the early days of public reporting, these differences became significantly more pronounced over 5 years of observation. Future research should examine whether accreditation actually promotes improved performance or is a marker for other hospital characteristics associated with such performance. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2011;6:458-465. © 2011 Society of Hospital Medicine.
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Shahian DM, Iezzoni LI, Meyer GS, Kirle L, Normand SLT. Hospital-wide mortality as a quality metric: conceptual and methodological challenges. Am J Med Qual 2011; 27:112-23. [PMID: 21918014 DOI: 10.1177/1062860611412358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Hospital-wide mortality rates are used as a measure of overall hospital quality. However, their parsimony and apparent simplicity belie significant conceptual and methodological concerns. For many diagnoses included in hospital-wide mortality, the association between short-term mortality and quality of care is not well established. Furthermore, compared with condition-specific or procedure-specific mortality, hospital-wide mortality rates pose greater methodological challenges (ie, eligibility and exclusion criteria, risk adjustment, statistical techniques for aggregating across diagnoses, usability). Many of these result from substantial interprovider heterogeneity in diagnosis frequency, sample sizes, and patient severity. Hospital-wide mortality is problematic as a quality metric for public reporting, although hospitals may elect to use such measures for other purposes. Potential alternative approaches include multidimensional composite metrics or mortality measurement limited to selected conditions and procedures for which the link between hospital mortality and quality is clear, legitimate exclusions are uncommon, and sample sizes, end points, and risk adjustment are adequate.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M Shahian
- Center for Quality and Safety and Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
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Krantz MJ, Ambardekar AV, Kaltenbach L, Hernandez AF, Heidenreich PA, Fonarow GC. Patterns and predictors of evidence-based medication continuation among hospitalized heart failure patients (from Get With the Guidelines-Heart Failure). Am J Cardiol 2011; 107:1818-23. [PMID: 21482418 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2011.02.322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2010] [Revised: 02/10/2011] [Accepted: 02/10/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Hospitalized patients with heart failure and decreased ejection fraction are at substantial risk for mortality and rehospitalization, yet no acute therapies are proven to decrease this risk. Therefore, in-hospital use of medications proved to decrease long-term mortality is a critical strategy to improve outcomes. Although endorsed in guidelines, predictors of initiation and continuation of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), β blockers, and aldosterone antagonists have not been well studied. We assessed noncontraindicated use patterns for the 3 medications using the Get With the Guidelines-Heart Failure (GWTG-HF) registry from February 2009 through March 2010. Medication continuation was defined as treatment on admission and discharge. Multivariable logistic regression using generalized estimating equations was used to determine factors associated with discharge use. In total 9,474 patients were enrolled during the study period. Of those treated before hospitalization, overall continuation rates were 88.5% for ACE inhibitors/ARBs, 91.6% for β blockers, and 71.9% for aldosterone-antagonists. Of patients untreated before admission, 87.4% had ACE inhibitors/ARBs and 90.1% had β blocker initiated during hospitalization or at discharge, whereas only 25.2% were started on an aldosterone antagonist. In multivariate analysis, admission therapy was most strongly associated with discharge use (adjusted odds ratios 7.4, 6.0, and 20.9 for ACE inhibitors/ARBs, β blockers, and aldosterone antagonists, respectively). Western region, younger age, and academic affiliation were also associated with higher discharge use. Although ACE inhibitor/ARB and β-blocker continuation rates were high, aldosterone antagonist use was lower despite potential eligibility. In conclusion, being admitted on evidence-based medications is the most powerful, independent predictor of discharge use.
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Gardetto NJ. Self-management in heart failure: where have we been and where should we go? J Multidiscip Healthc 2011; 4:39-51. [PMID: 21544247 PMCID: PMC3084307 DOI: 10.2147/jmdh.s8174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2011] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic conditions such as heart failure (HF) place a tremendous strain on patients, their families, the community, and the health care system because there are no real “cures”. Adding to the burden are longer life expectancies and increased numbers of people living with multiple chronic conditions. Today, whether engaging in a health-promoting activity, such as exercise, or living with a chronic disease such as HF, the individual is responsible for actively managing day-to-day activities, a concept referred to as self-management. Self-management emerged as the cornerstone for chronic care models and multidisciplinary disease-management strategies in chronic illness care. Moreover, self-management has been prioritized as a central pathway for improving the quality and effectiveness of most chronic HF care. Adherence to self-management is vital to optimize the treatment outcomes in HF patients, but implementing chronic disease self-management (CDSM) strategies and identifying the difficulties in self-management has proved to be a challenge. Understanding both where we have been and the future direction of self-management in HF care is not only timely, but a crucial aspect of improving long-term outcomes for people with HF and other chronic diseases.
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Coughlin M, Gibbins S, Hoath S. Core measures for developmentally supportive care in neonatal intensive care units: theory, precedence and practice. J Adv Nurs 2010; 65:2239-48. [PMID: 19686402 PMCID: PMC2779463 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2648.2009.05052.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Title Core measures for developmentally supportive care in neonatal intensive care units: theory, precedence and practice. Aim This paper is a discussion of evidence-based core measures for developmental care in neonatal intensive care units. Background Inconsistent definition, application and evaluation of developmental care have resulted in criticism of its scientific merit. The key concept guiding data organization in this paper is the United States of America’s Joint Commission’s concept of ‘core measures’ for evaluating and accrediting healthcare organizations. This concept is applied to five disease- and procedure-independent measures based on the Universe of Developmental Care model. Data sources Electronically accessible, peer reviewed studies on developmental care published in English were culled for data supporting the selected objective core measures between 1978 and 2008. The quality of evidence was based on a structured predetermined format that included three independent reviewers. Systematic reviews and randomized control trials were considered the strongest level of evidence. When unavailable, cohort, case control, consensus statements and qualitative methods were considered the strongest level of evidence for a particular clinical issue. Discussion Five core measure sets for evidence-based developmental care were evaluated: (1) protected sleep, (2) pain and stress assessment and management, (3) developmental activities of daily living, (4) family-centred care, and (5) the healing environment. These five categories reflect recurring themes that emerged from the literature review regarding developmentally supportive care and quality caring practices in neonatal populations. This practice model provides clear metrics for nursing actions having an impact on the hospital experience of infant-family dyads. Conclusion Standardized disease-independent core measures for developmental care establish minimum evidence-based practice expectations and offer an objective basis for cross-institutional comparison of developmental care programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Coughlin
- Children's Medical Ventures, Norwell, Massachusetts, USA.
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Linking residency training effectiveness to clinical outcomes: a quality improvement approach. Jt Comm J Qual Patient Saf 2010; 36:203-8. [PMID: 20480752 DOI: 10.1016/s1553-7250(10)36033-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)'s Outcome Project requires training programs to use external measures such as quality of care indicators to assess their effectiveness. A practical, quality improvement (QI) process was implemented at Henry Ford Hospital to enhance the training program's educational effectiveness and clinical outcomes. METHODS A QI process consisting ofa modified Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle was applied to residency and fellowship curricula in a medical intensive care unit (MICU). The PDSA activities focused on improving clinical outcomes but also outlined educational goals for residents and fellows, defined teaching methods, and determined assessment methods for the ACGME curricula. The improvement process linked clinical outcomes to specific competency-based educational objectives. Residents and fellows received instruction on QI and applied the new curricula to their clinical training in the MICU. RESULTS Two of seven MICU clinical outcomes demonstrated initial performance below national benchmarks: iatrogenic pneumothorax rate and sepsis-specific mortality. During the QI process, clinical outcomes in both areas improved. Training program directors used the MICU clinical outcomes as indicators of their programs' educational effectiveness. They also assessed individual trainee performance in QI initiatives through direct observation and review of their written summaries of these projects. CONCLUSIONS Training programs can use hospital-tracked clinical outcomes to analyze their educational strengths and weaknesses and accordingly to enhance their educational curricula. Linking competency-based learning objectives for trainees to the clinical outcomes of their patients can improve physician education and patient care.
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Section 8: Disease Management, Advance Directives, and End-of-Life Care in Heart Failure Education and Counseling. J Card Fail 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cardfail.2010.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Process of care performance measures and long-term outcomes in patients hospitalized with heart failure. Med Care 2010; 48:210-6. [PMID: 20125043 DOI: 10.1097/mlr.0b013e3181ca3eb4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent efforts to improve care for patients hospitalized with heart failure have focused on process-based performance measures. Data supporting the link between current process measures and patient outcomes are sparse. OBJECTIVE To examine the relationship between adherence to hospital-level process measures and long-term patient-level mortality and readmission. RESEARCH DESIGN Analysis of data from a national clinical registry linked to outcome data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). SUBJECTS A total of 22,750 Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries enrolled in the Organized Program to Initiate Lifesaving Treatment in Hospitalized Patients with Heart Failure between March 2003 and December 2004. MEASURES Mortality at 1 year; cardiovascular readmission at 1 year; and adherence to hospital-level process measures, including discharge instructions, assessment of left ventricular function, prescription of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker at discharge, prescription of beta-blockers at discharge, and smoking cessation counseling for eligible patients. RESULTS Hospital conformity rates ranged from 52% to 86% across the 5 process measures. Unadjusted overall 1-year mortality and cardiovascular readmission rates were 33% and 40%, respectively. In covariate-adjusted analyses, the CMS composite score was not associated with 1-year mortality (hazard ratio, 1.00; 95% confidence interval, 0.98-1.03; P = 0.91) or readmission (hazard ratio, 1.01; 95% confidence interval, 0.99-1.04; P = 0.37). Current CMS process measures were not independently associated with mortality, though prescription of beta-blockers at discharge was independently associated with lower mortality (hazard ratio, 0.94; 95% confidence interval, 0.90-098; P = 0.004). CONCLUSION Hospital process performance for heart failure as judged by current CMS measures is not associated with patient outcomes within 1 year of discharge, calling into question whether existing CMS metrics can accurately discriminate hospital quality of care for heart failure.
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Maeda JLK. Evidence-based heart failure performance measures and clinical outcomes: a systematic review. J Card Fail 2010; 16:411-8. [PMID: 20447578 DOI: 10.1016/j.cardfail.2010.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2009] [Revised: 01/19/2010] [Accepted: 01/27/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence-based performance measures for heart failure are increasingly being used to stimulate quality improvement efforts. METHODS AND RESULTS A literature search was performed using MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Review, and a citation review. Research studies that assessed the association between the American College of Cardiology (ACC)/American Heart Association (AHA) heart failure performance measures from the inpatient setting and patient outcomes were examined. Studies were restricted to those conducted within the United States from 2001 until the present and included at least 1 of the ACC/AHA performance measures for chronic heart failure and a clinical outcome as an endpoint. Eleven original studies and 1 literature review met the study inclusion criteria. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker and beta-blocker use at discharge had the strongest association with improved patient outcomes, whereas discharge instructions had a weaker but positive effect. CONCLUSIONS The findings from this systematic review suggest that an increase in compliance with the heart failure performance measures leads to a consistent positive impact on patient outcomes although the strength, magnitude, and significance of this effect is variable across the individual performance indicators. Further longitudinal studies and additional measure sets may yield deeper insights into the causal relationship between heart failure processes of care and clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jared Lane K Maeda
- Division of Health Policy & Administration, University of Illinois at Chicago, School of Public Health, Chicago, IL
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Shahian DM, O'Brien SM, Normand SLT, Peterson ED, Edwards FH. Association of hospital coronary artery bypass volume with processes of care, mortality, morbidity, and the Society of Thoracic Surgeons composite quality score. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2010; 139:273-82. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcvs.2009.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2009] [Revised: 08/14/2009] [Accepted: 09/02/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Albert NM, Fonarow GC, Yancy CW, Curtis AB, Stough WG, Gheorghiade M, Heywood JT, McBride M, Mehra MR, O'Connor CM, Reynolds D, Walsh MN. Influence of dedicated heart failure clinics on delivery of recommended therapies in outpatient cardiology practices: findings from the Registry to Improve the Use of Evidence-Based Heart Failure Therapies in the Outpatient Setting (IMPROVE HF). Am Heart J 2010; 159:238-44. [PMID: 20152222 DOI: 10.1016/j.ahj.2009.11.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2009] [Accepted: 11/24/2009] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND National guidelines recommend heart failure (HF) disease management programs to facilitate adherence to evidence-based practices. This study examined the influence of dedicated HF clinics on delivery of guideline-recommended therapies for cardiology practice outpatients with HF and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction. METHODS IMPROVE HF, a prospective cohort study, enrolled 167 cardiology practices to characterize outpatient management of 15,381 patients with chronic systolic HF. Adherence to guideline-recommended HF therapies was recorded, and the presence of a dedicated HF clinic was assessed by survey. Multivariate models identified contributions to delivery of guideline-recommended HF therapies. RESULTS Of practices, 41.3% had a dedicated HF clinic. Practices with a dedicated HF clinic had greater adherence to 3 of 7 guideline-recommended HF therapy measures: angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker (P = .02), beta-blocker (P = .025), and HF education (P = .009). After adjustment, use of a dedicated HF clinic was associated with greater conformity in 2 of 7 measures: cardiac resynchronization therapy (P = .036) and HF education (P = .005) but not angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker, beta-blocker, aldosterone antagonist, implantable cardioverter-defibrillator therapy, and anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation. CONCLUSIONS Use of dedicated HF clinics varied in cardiology outpatient practices and was associated with greater use of cardiac resynchronization therapy and HF education but not other guideline-recommended therapies.
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Hummel SL, DeFranco AC, Skorcz S, Montoye CK, Koelling TM. Recommendation of low-salt diet and short-term outcomes in heart failure with preserved systolic function. Am J Med 2009; 122:1029-36. [PMID: 19854331 PMCID: PMC3769220 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2009.04.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2009] [Revised: 04/07/2009] [Accepted: 04/08/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dietary sodium indiscretion frequently contributes to hospitalizations in elderly heart failure patients. Animal models suggest an important role for dietary sodium intake in the pathophysiology of heart failure with preserved systolic function. The documentation and effects of hospital discharge recommendations, particularly for sodium-restricted diet, have not been extensively investigated in heart failure with preserved systolic function. METHODS We analyzed 1700 heart failure admissions to Michigan community hospitals. We compared documentation of guideline-based discharge recommendations between preserved systolic function and systolic heart failure patients with chi-squared testing, and used logistic regression to identify predictors of 30-day death and hospital readmission in a prespecified follow-up cohort of 443 patients with preserved systolic function. We hypothesized that patients who received a documented discharge recommendation for sodium-restricted diet would have lower 30-day adverse event rates. RESULTS Heart failure patients with preserved systolic function were significantly less likely than systolic heart failure patients to receive discharge recommendations for weight monitoring (33% vs 43%) and sodium-restricted diet (42% vs 53%). Upon propensity score-adjusted multivariable analysis, patients with preserved systolic function who received a documented sodium-restricted diet recommendation had decreased odds of 30-day combined death and readmission (odds ratio 0.43, 95% confidence interval, 0.24-0.79; P=.007). No other discharge recommendations predicted 30-day outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Clinicians document appropriate discharge instructions less frequently in heart failure with preserved systolic function than systolic heart failure. Selected heart failure patients with preserved systolic function who receive advice for sodium-restricted diet may have improved short-term outcomes after hospital discharge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott L Hummel
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Michigan Department of Internal Medicine, 1500 East Medical Center Drive, SPC 5853, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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Ghali JK. Sex, race and ethnicity: providing quality care for elderly patients hospitalized with heart failure. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009. [DOI: 10.2217/ahe.09.7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Heart failure continues to be a major and growing public health problem. Guidelines for heart failure management have been primarily based on clinical trials, in which the elderly, women and minority groups were under-represented. There are major differences between patients enrolled in clinical trials and patients with heart failure at large in the community. Clinicians are faced with the challenge of deciding the best treatment for heart failure patients, in whom clinical guidelines may not fully apply. Much wider representation of minority groups, women and the elderly as well as efforts to include community heart failure patients in future clinical trials will close the gap in our knowledge, with regard to the effects of various management strategies in these patients, and will hopefully contribute to better outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jalal K Ghali
- Harper University Hospital, 3990 John R, 9 Webber Core, Suite 9370, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
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Krantz MJ, Tanner J, Horwich TB, Yancy C, Albert NM, Hernandez AF, Dai D, Fonarow GC. Influence of hospital length of stay for heart failure on quality of care. Am J Cardiol 2008; 102:1693-7. [PMID: 19064026 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2008.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2008] [Revised: 08/05/2008] [Accepted: 08/05/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Adherence to treatment guidelines during hospital admissions for heart failure impacts readmissions and mortality. However, the relation between guideline adherence and heart failure hospital length of stay (LOS) has not been well studied. Whether quality of care delivered to patients with heart failure is impacted on by hospital LOS was assessed. Data were analyzed from 209 hospitals participating in the Get With the Guidelines heart failure program. From January 2005 to September 2006, a total of 36,078 admissions were recorded and stratified by a median heart failure hospitalization LOS of <5 or >or=5 days. Comparisons of baseline patient characteristics and quality measures were analyzed using generalized estimating equations. Patients with LOS >or=5 days were slightly older, more likely to be seen at a larger hospital, and had higher ejection fractions and increased rates of such co-morbidities as diabetes, anemia, renal insufficiency, and pulmonary disease. After adjustment, longer LOS was associated with an increased odds ratio (OR) per each additional day for providing discharge instructions (OR 1.027, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.017 to 1.038) and left ventricular ejection fraction documentation (OR 1.049, 95% CI 1.031 to 1.067). However, LOS >or=5 days was independently associated with modestly decreased use of life-prolonging medications at hospital discharge for patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction: angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers (OR 0.977, 95% CI 0.967 to 0.987) and beta blockers (OR 0.990, 95% CI 0.982 to 0.997). In conclusion, in Get With the Guidelines participating institutions, hospital LOS had only a modest influence on quality-of-care measures. Overall, excellent adherence to guideline-based medical therapy was observed, even in patients with a shorter hospital LOS.
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Relation of heart failure hospitalization to exposure to fine particulate air pollution. Am J Cardiol 2008; 102:1230-4. [PMID: 18940298 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2008.06.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2008] [Revised: 06/20/2008] [Accepted: 06/20/2008] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Cardiopulmonary disease has been associated with particulate matter (PM) air pollution. There is evidence that exposure to elevated PM concentrations increases risk of acute ischemic heart disease events, alters cardiac autonomic function, and increases risk of arrhythmias. It is plausible, therefore, that PM exposure may exacerbate heart failure (HF). A case-crossover study design was used to explore associations between fine PM (PM(2.5): particles with an aerodynamic diameter < or =2.5 microm) and 2,628 HF hospitalizations. Patients lived on Utah's Wasatch Front and were drawn from those hospitalized at Intermountain Healthcare facilities with a primary diagnosis of HF. A 14-day lagged cumulative moving average of 10 microg/m(3) PM(2.5) was associated with a 13.1% (95% confidence interval 1.3 to 26.2) increase in HF admissions. The strongest PM(2.5)-HF associations were for elderly patients who had previously been admitted for HF and who required only a short period of hospitalization. HF hospitalizations are associated with lagged cumulative exposure to PM(2.5) of approximately 2 weeks. In conclusion, particulate air pollution may play a role in precipitating acute cardiac decompensation in otherwise well-managed patients with HF, perhaps through effects of PM on myocardial ischemia, cardiac autonomic function, and/or arrhythmic effects.
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Mangalat D, Smith AL, Butler J. Health Care Quality Improvement: The Devil Really is in Details. J Card Fail 2008; 14:103-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cardfail.2007.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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